Since the temperature has dropped and stayed consistently below 45 degrees I've found myself unable to do anything but layer. So, today's post will be like a 'part 2' to my first layering post! (Check out Part 1 here.)
But, before I begin, I just want to thank each and every one of you who read my last post and commented, emailed, or reached out to me in some way. You ladies sure know how to make a gal feel good! Your words were so encouraging and honestly meant the world to me. That post was a small leap of faith, especially since I usually don't share a whole lot about my personal life on here. This blog has always been pretty much a strict personal style blog, so I have mostly tried to keep everything else out of it. But, I'm happy that I took the chance to open up a little bit more to all of you.
So, a million times thank you for being so amazing!!
And now on to layering…
Anyone can put a bunch of different layers on and call it a day. But, honing your layering skills can lead to some really interesting and chic combinations. Here's what I've found that works for me. Hopefully it gives you an idea or two as well! :)
1. Choose a main piece to be "The Star" of your look. This is actually a great way to build an outfit-- start with a piece that catches your eye and build the rest of your look from there. What piece do you want to have the focus on? -- Green pants? A bright red top? A floral skirt? Leopard print shoes? Decide on the "main feature" of your look and build the rest of your outfit with layers that compliment that piece.
2. Choose the right proportions and fit. Before I began layering like nobody's business I didn't fully understand the importance of this rule. But, it's probably the most important layering advice that I could give. (I like to think that this is why I own 3+ black jackets-- they're all so different!!) For example: when you are layering a jacket over a blouse and leaving the blouse untucked, the jacket always has to be shorter than the blouse--to help "break up" the look. In addition, jackets should always fit properly, otherwise they look sloppy. And finally (but not really-because there is SO much proportion advice I would love to share!), oversized sweaters should be worn with sleek layers underneath (skinny jeans, tank tops, fitted tops) to keep you from looking like a giant blob.
3. Include fun details in your layers to make the look more interesting. A little patterned button-up (especially gingham, plaid, and polka dot) peeking through your layers is always a win in my book! The same goes for using vivid colors that "pop" out of your layers. --Because a layered look often times has many points of interest, it almost give you a bit more leeway to play with fun patterns, colors, and textures and get away with things you may not have tried otherwise!
4. Turn out your cuffs. If you're wearing a button up under a sweater or a jacket, fold the cuffs over where the sleeves hit your wrist. This little trick shows off the detail of your bottom layer and really adds to the prep factor of an outfit.
5. Wear a completer piece --something that will finish off your look or help tie your look together. Blazers are great completer pieces; not only can they make a casual look more professional, but they help keep you warm, too. (Always a plus in my book!) Accessories, especially statement jewelry and scarves, are also fabulous completer pieces--they're like the whipped cream on top of a delicious mug of hot chocolate!
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| Plaid button-up (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)// Color block sweater (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)// Black blazer (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here, here) Green ankle pants (Exact here; Similar here, here, cute color block ankle pants here)// Leopard print ankle boots (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)// Watch c/o Wristology Watches (Exact here)// Stella & Dot Renegade bracelet c/o Erika Lehman// Necklace c/o Our World Boutique (Exact here, in navy blue) |
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| Pink plaid button-up (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)// Khaki sweater (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)// White skinny jeans (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)// Riding boots (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)// Pave link necklace & bracelet set c/o ILYCouture (Exact here)// Alex Tortoise watch c/o Wristology Watches (Exact here) Stella & Dot Renegade bracelet c/o Erika Lehman// Necklace via Etsy |
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| "Wave to the Princess" dress c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact here)// Leopard-print scarf (Exact gifted; Similar here, here, here, here)// Purple cardi (Exact old, via GAP Outlet; Similar here, here, here)// Black open toe booties (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)// Necklace ℅ Accessory Mercado (Exact here) |
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| Black cami (Exact here)// White skinny jeans (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)// Chevron sweater c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact here)// Grey scarf (Similar here, here) Riding boots (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)// Watch c/o Wristology Watches (Exact here)// Stella & Dot Renegade bracelet c/o Erika Lehman// Tortoise bracelet c/o Sira & Mara (Exact here)// Necklace via Etsy |
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| TJMAXX striped sweater (Exact not available online; Similar here, here, here) White skinny jeans (Exact here; Similar here, here, here, here)// Black riding boots (Exact here; Similar here, here, here)// Striped blazer (Exact old; Similar here, here, here, here)// Necklace via eBay |
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| Top C/O Sugar Love Boutique (Exact here)// The Limited Skinny Pants (Exact old; Similar here, here here, here)// Green blazer (Exact old, via H&M; Similar here, here, here)// Tall black boots (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)// Skinny black watch (Exact old; Similar here, here, here)// Necklace c/o Our World Boutique (Exact here, in navy blue) |
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"Stripe Hype" dress c/o Flourish Boutique (Exact here)//
Aztec Open Sweater c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (Exact here)//
Necklace via Etsy
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You are.....simply gorgeous...and things you put together are amazing. I wish so much I had your style. What about for those of us that are a bit more then your slender size......any ideas there?
ReplyDeleteyour style is always so inspiring! it helps me to then try to put together a more focused look versus everything that i just love at once! =) I appreciate that you try and keep it in a realistic budget too, because thats my price range for clothes right now. Thanks for doing this, I always look forward to yours posts!
ReplyDeleteHI! love the layering info! perfect as i sometimes have a hard time not feeling like a huge blob! what sweater are you wearing in the fourth outfit w/ the gray scarf?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kristen! I just updated the sweater info. :)
DeleteFabulous outfits, both stylish and chic.
ReplyDeleteX x
LOVE!
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice, as always. I need to buy more layer-able pieces, especially cardigans and patterned button-up shirts.
ReplyDeleteYasi how do you get your pictures to come out so bright?! I am up at the crack of dawn and I only have a hanging closet door mirror and my pictures always look so dark :(
ReplyDeleteI have multiple lights in the room where I take the pictures. And I also edit the pictures using iPhoto to turn up the exposure and the contrast. :)
DeleteI've tried that but I'm limited with mirror space. and I'm taking pics at 6am before the sun is up lol
DeleteI love all these looks! You do such a great job with all of your styling-I'm trying to slowly add to my wardrobe to have more versatile pieces and I love all of your ideas. I also really appreciate that your pieces are reasonably priced too! Thanks for the tips:)
ReplyDeleteYour outfits are always so interesting. You match things I'd never consider and always look so pulled together! Taking Notes!!
ReplyDeletethe last look is so gorgeous. I feel I can never keep the layered look as 'smooth' as it is shown in that photo. There always seems to be a lump here or bunching there. You've inspired me to keep trying!
ReplyDeleteLove your outfits and have been inspired to try layering - and order those awesome leopard booties from Target! :)
ReplyDeletelove this one and I love your updo. Will you please show more of your updo?
ReplyDeleteyou are just the CUTEST! love what you put together!
ReplyDeleteI Love the skirt in the last photo! And so affordable! Loving your blog :)
ReplyDeleteI love the necklace with black & white stripes. Do you know the name of it? I really want one.
ReplyDeleteLove all your outfits! Can you show us how you tied the leopard print scarf you are wearing in the wave to the princess outfit? Also, how to tie a non-infinity scarf to look like an infinity scarf. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear more advice about proportions. I'm very short and have a hard time with this; there are some trends I just can't follow because of fit/proportions. I love your layering knowledge so thank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteI am also very short and a pear shape so proportions don't work out too much. I also have a hard time with layering as the button down or T shirt underneath gets bunched up in my front and at my shoulders when I put on a sweater. Since I have short arms, sleeves don't end at my wrist either. So, if you have any tips for short people, it would be greatly appreciated. Just wondering... how tall are you?
ReplyDelete